Buyers Guide: Wood Fencing

The most common cypress tree harvested and mill for use of fence construction is the Bald-cypress tree: AKA Gulf cypress, red cypress, southern cypress, swamp cypress, white cypress and yellow cypress.

Bald-Cypress is a slow growing, long living tree, which can reach height of 100 - 125 feet. Bald-cypress exists mainly, "...along the Atlantic Coastal Plain from southern Delaware to southern Florida, westward along the lower Gulf Coast Plain to southeastern Texas.” In the natural forest, a Bald cypress can take upwards of 200 years to develop a significant about of heartwood which is necessary for high lumber-yields.

True stability, strength, and resistance against insects and disease does not occur until a Bald-Cypress reaches an average age of seventy-five or has a growth ring count per inch of 15-20. The main reason is after 75 a chemical called Cypressene is produced as a result of sufficient amount of heartwood.

Traditionally speaking, Bald cypress provides a natural level of protection against decay and insects once harvested, were as pine must be pressure treated to achieve the same level of protection. However, there is an ongoing debate and concern, within the industry, that 2nd-growth cypress does not provide the same benefits as 1st-growth cypress.

To understand what is causing the debate, it is important to examine what make bald cypress so effective. As a bald cypress tree matures, the growth-rings become closer and closer. When the rings become tighter and closer together, heartwood is created and an oil called Cypressene is abundantly produced, protecting the tree from insects and disease. True stability, strength, and resistance does not occur until a tree growth ring count becomes 15-50 per inch which normally does not occur until the tree reaches an average age of seventy five. In contrast, the maturity old growth has minimum 24-80 growth rings per inch.

In today's market, cypress lumber with high growth ring counts exceeding 20 per inch is associated with reclaimed cypress (also known as sinker cypress) that sunk to the bottom of the river during transport in the early 1900's. Sinker Cypress is very, very expensive. The cypress trees harvested today for fence pickets will have less than fifteen growth rings per inch, hence the debate. Is there protection or not?

Based on in-house study and research reports, cypress provides the best protection against insects and decay when the lumbers dimensions reach 1" or greater. The contributing findings were based on two factors: Thicker Lumber is milled from more mature trees with a growth ring count of a minimum of 10 per inch or greater. See full studies and photos.

It should also be noted in the study, there was no distinct advantage discovered which would suggest that the commonly used 1/2" cypress pickets possess an longevity advantage, against fungal decay and bugs, over the commonly used 5/8" pressure treated pine picket. See full studies and photos.

Milling Method:

Once the bald cypress is harvested, the tree is sent to a sawmill where it is cut in dimensional lumber after air drying or is kiln dried prior to milling dimensional lumber. If the tree is air dried, it is call Green Cypress. If the tree is dried in a kiln it is known as Kiln Dried Cypress.
Green Cypress: Cypress that is air dry naturally by air with a moisture content of 65% remaining in the tree prior to milling.

Kiln Dried Cypress: Cypress is placed in large kilns which reduces the moisture content remaining in the tree to a range of 12% -18%

The kiln dried method has an advantage over green cypress. The main reason is the moisture is removed from the tree in a slow and controlled environment, which minimizes the shrinkage and structural damage to the cells within the lumber. Green cypress on the other hand is milled while the tree is still highly saturated. Once milled, the board rapidly loses moisture content. As a result, damage can occur to the cells of the fiber causing massive shrinkage of board sizes and splitting.

Most fence boards or pickets used within the Central Florida market are green cypress.

Ecological Impact:

In a recent study conducted by a commission established by the Governor of Louisiana in 2005, (C-P and ULCWF), it was discovered that the re-growth rate of Bald and Tupelo Cypress in areas where heavily harvested is not regenerating consistently or at all. The lack of regeneration is contributed to the disruption of water levels, which do not allow the cypress seed with a cone to properly germinate. Other factors include the lack of wildlife once the area is harvested. Certain species such as waterfowl, rabbits, squirrels, even reptiles are forced from the area. As a result, the animals that naturally eat the seeds and disperse them are absent.

It has also been noted that cypress forests serve a purpose of acting like a buffer for heavy coastal winds and tidal surges, often holding excess floodwaters and helping to protect coastal towns from tropical storms and hurricanes. Wetlands are also especially good at cleaning water. Cypress trees and other plants found in these marshy areas filter the water, removing excess nutrients and toxins. The wetlands also house many aquatic species, such as mosquitofish, gar, and many species of snails that help in breaking down and filtering human sewage, toxic metals, and other pollutants from the water.

Resources used for this section:
Texas Parks and Wildlife
United States Department of Agriculture NRCS
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Conservation, Protection and Utilization of Louisiana’s Coastal Wetland Forests: Commission report
Cypress Wood Lumber
Cypress Crack Sawmill

There are two basic methods of fence construction. They are prefabrication and onsite building/stick building. Both methods require that a post be installed every eight feet. No exception. In addition, each method will vary depending on the fence company, but the basics will hold true. We have added our method of construction to provide a contrast and to explain why we build to such a strict standard. Below are the basic definitions of each building methods, the availability, aesthetics, and anticipated longevity:

PREFABRICATED FENCING: This building method consists of prefabricated eight foot sections of fence. These sections are often purchased by fence companies and homeowners at the big box stores and discount outlets. They are pre-built using 2" x 3" x 8' rough cut runners, 1/4" x 4" x 6' rough cut dog-eared pickets. All pickets are attached to the runner with a small tack-nail or staple.

At the point of installation, an 4" x 4" x 8’ rough cut line posts is installed every eight feet. The section is placed on the post, and the runners are secured with (1) 3" Galvanized penny nail. Finally a picket is added to cover the seams.

The majority of Central Florida fence companies use this method of building. Why? The answer is simple: The materials are cheaper, the skill set needed for installation is minimal, and the method is highly profitable.

When it come to aesthetics and structures, this building method receives a thumbs down! Understand, the aesthetics will fade within 6 month; and the fence itself will only last 4 to 6 years.

PREFABRICATED FENCING IS HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE THREE DISTINCT PROBLEMS, AND WE DON'T RECOMMEND IT OR INSTALL PREFABRICATED FENCES.

ONSITE/STICK BUILDING: This method of building requires the fence to be constructed piece by piece using 4" x 4" x 8' rough cut line posts, 2" x 4" x 8' number 2 primed runners, and 1/2" thick rough cut dog eared pickets.

A small percentage of Central Florida fence companies use this method of building; however, more and more onsite builders are popping up in the marketplace. As a result, these newer builders make simple mistakes but ones that cost the homeowner dearly. Mistakes such as using the wrong picket spacing, the wrong nails, or the wrong lumber. Make sure the right questions are asked.

When it comes to aesthetics and structures, this building method receives a hesitant thumbs up! If it's not built correctly or someone cuts a corner, this building method is just as dangerous as prefabricating. Understand, if build correctly, the aesthetic will last 3-5 years; and the fence itself will last 8-10 years.

THIS METHOD IS MORE RESISTANT TO THE THREE DISTINCT PROBLEMS IF BUILT CORRECTLY. SEE PRO'S AND CON'S.

PARAMOUNT 'S REINFORCED METHOD OF ONSITE/STICK BUILDING: It all starts with the framework. Our method requires the fence is assemble piece by piece using 4" x 4" x 10' number 2 primed line posts, 2" x 4" x 16' number 2 primed horizontal runners, and 1" x 6" x 6' rough cut pickets. To ensure all lumber remain secure, we use a serious of special treated nickel-alloyed, yellow tip, ACQ rated, ring-shank nails: A ring-shank nail has 50 reversed ovular rings which acts like threads on a screw when it punctures the wood.

At the point of installation, 4" x 4" x 10' number 2 primed line posts are installed every eight feet. Then the (3) 16' horizontal runners are staggered and secured to the post using (2) 3" nickel-alloyed, yellow tip, ACQ rated ring-shank nails per runner. Each picket is then individually secure with (6) 2" nickel-alloyed, yellow tip, ACQ rated-ring shank nails.

Only one percent of Florida Fence Companies build to our standard. WHY? The answer is simple: The material requirements cost more, the skills needed for installation are greater, and the profit margin is low. It is just a fair exchange between homeowners and companies which promotes long term growth.

Our method of building can last approximately 12 to 15 years in both splendor and longevity. It just depends on how well the individual homeowner takes care of the fence. We give it two thumbs up!!

OUR METHOD OF BUILDING IS RESISTANT TO THE THREE DISTINCT PROBLEMS! HOW YOU TAKE CARE OF IT WILL ELIMINATE THEM!

Each building methods possesses different pros and cons. Often, the benefits and downfalls of a building method rest upon the materials used. Understanding the specific types of lumber, and how the specific types of lumber effect each building method will prevent simple mistakes.

PREFAB FENCING: ALL CON'S HERE
If you are still considering prefabrication, stop. Understand the CONS and move on....

Runners Size: (CON) Considering most prefabricated panels are constructed with 2" x 3" x 8' rough cut runners, which are milled from small sapling trees or the outer parts of large trees, the lumber itself is vary porous. Not only is it porous, the pores are large and low in numbers. Translation: they are more susceptible to fungi and water damage.

At the end of the day, the 2" x 3" x 8' runners will cup and bow at the slightest hint of moisture. The combination of the preservative and the tropical weather will force the lumber through a mini-recurring process each time it gets wet. As a result, the aesthetics and structural integrity will be nonexistent within two to three years. The key thing to remember here is that the thinner the lumber is, the more it will be susceptible to the three distinct problems.

Post depth: (CON) A prefabricated fence panel forces the 4" x 4" x 8' rough cut line post too far out of the ground. As a result, the line post is set less than 27" deep. The basic issue here is leverage.

At a minimum, the depth of the posts should be determined by the height of the fence being installed. For example, a six foot in height fence should be supported by posts set 24" beneath the surface. As a result, a leverage ratio of 6:2 is created.

In a perfect world the minimum works; however, this is Florida. Our soil content is mostly sugar sand, and each post will naturally lose on average 5" to 8" inches of leverage. As a result, most prefabricators use concrete to achieve minimal leverage.

Beware, concrete and the pressure treating preservative do not get along. Concrete causes posts to stay moist which creates the perfect breeding ground for wood rot, mildew, and termites. Not to mention, the moisture will cause the posts to twist, to split, or to bow like a banana.

The fasteners: (CON) A prefabricated fence panel requires the use of some type of small staple or galvanized tack nail. Otherwise, the staple or tack nail would split the thin porous lumber.

Beware, the new pressure treating code has a high copper content and will eat through the protective barrier ins six months, and rust-out the galvanized nail within a year.

The pickets: (CON) Prefabricated fence panels are traditionally built with rough-cut pickets that are less than a half inch thick. Thinner pickets are used because thicker pickets would increase the weight making them too heavy to install.

The problem with thinner pickets is the lumber from which they are milled. Just like the runners, the pickets are milled out of small saplings or the outer edge of large trees. This may not sound like a concern, but the ground exposure will rot and decay them quickly. The thicker the picket, the less susceptible they are to wood rot.

Understand, it does not matter the type of wood: pine, cypress, or western red cedar. These types of lumber are resistant from rot when they are milled from large trees and pressure treated. All the before mentioned woods are dependent on the long-term growth of 40 plus years. After 40 years, the rings get tighter; and the closer the rings are, the more the pores are closed. The covenant dark colored heartwood does not develop in most species for 70 years.

Rough cut lumber is harvested when trees have reached between 20 and 40 years old.

ONSITE/STICK BUILDING: If done correctly, onsite building is a better approach. If done incorrectly, onsite building can be a disaster!

Runners Size: (PRO) Most 2" x 4" x 8' runner; milled out of large mature trees and cutout from the core. As a result, the 2" x 4" is called prime lumber, its milling grade is 2.

The advantage of the 2" x 4" x 8' number 2 prime lumber is the lumber itself is less porous. There are three factors that provide the advantage of rough-cut lumber. First, large trees have tight rings. Second, the tighter the rings, the lower the pore count. Third, the milling method assists in closing the pores. When combined, all three factors make the lumber less susceptible to water and fungi damage.

The disadvantage of the 2" x 4" x 8' is all about installation. If the crown of the 2" x 4" is place in the wrong direction, the board will cup and bow. If the posts are not spaced correctly, the 2" x 4" will twist and separate from the post.

Keep in mind, 2" x 4" creates three open seams at every post. In return, the three seams create a weak point, and seams are dependent of the depth of a posts. If the posts used are too short, they will move. When they do, the three seams will separate, and the integrity of the structure will be compromised.

Post depth: (CON) Because most onsite/stick-built fence builders still use 4" x 4" x 8' rough cut line post, we must rate the standard method of building a con.

Understand, the standard method of building forces the 4" x 4" x 8' too far out of the ground. In most cases, the post is less than 27" in the ground once installed. Considering Florida soil is based on sugar sand, the posts will lose on average 7" of leverage.

To provide adequate leverage, concrete is often necessary. However, that is not always the case. Most onsite/stick-builders will not use concrete.

Regardless, concrete, when combined with the new pressure treating code, causes posts to warp, to rot, or to bow.

The fasteners: (PRO and CON) Onsite/stick-built fences are built with thicker lumber than prefabricated panels. As a result, the lumber requires thicker and softer metal nails to hold it in place.

WARNING: All fasteners must be nickel or chromium alloy-based ring shank nails, not standard galvanized nails. Use the wrong nail and your fence will be a complete loss.

Should a builder use standard galvanized nails, the fence will have the same issue as a prefab. All the nails will rust out and the pickets will pop within a year or two.

The pickets: Onsite/Stick-built fences are generally built with a thicker picket. Most are 5/8" or thicker. The problem once again is the lumber from which the pickets are created. Understand, all pickets are considered rough-cut lumber. As a result, the pickets are more porous then the number 2 prime lumber, however, the thicker the lumber the tighter the pores. The tighter the pores the more resistant it will be towards rot and decay.

Remember, it does not matter what type of wood the pickets are cut from: pine, cypress, and western red cedar. These type woods are dependent on the long-term growth of 70 plus years to develop heartwood. Rough cut lumber is harvested from tree farms.

WARNING: The size of the picket is a nominal measurement. For example, a 1" x 6" x 6' dog-eared picket is not the actual board measurement. When a picket is milled, the final thickness is actually 3/4" x 5 3/4" x 5 3/4'. It doesn’t stop there. Understand, by the time picket is purchased, the new pressure treating code causes the picket shrink. As a result, the picket has shrunk to somewhere around 5/8" x 5 1/2" x 5 5/8'. Once the picket cures, the final measurement will be around 3/8" x 5 1/2" x 5 1/2.

Don't let the label fool you.

The Runners: (PRO) Unlike the standard method of onsite building, we use 2" x 4" x 16' number 2 primed lumber. We still install a post every eight feet, but we stagger runners between. Our method of staggering longer runners, coupled with the longer posts, creates a long-lasting framework. In addition, due to the length of the runners, the lumber is milled from the heart of large and mature trees. The pores are tight and small, or often closed. As a result, warping and cupping are minimized and crown direction does not matter.

Post depth: (PRO). Unlike the traditional 4" x 4" x 8' rough cut line post, the 4" x 4" x 10' number 2 prime line post rests 48" beneath the surface. As a result, adequate leverage is provided to the structure as a whole: six feet above and four feet below equals a 60% leverage ratio above ground. When the posts are coupled with longer runners, both set the stage for a solid wooden wall. As a result, there is no need for need for concrete and it counter the three distinct problems with the pressure treating code.

The keys component of the 4" x 4" x 10' number 2 prime line posts are the length of the post, lumber, and the milling. Things such as tighter rings, closed pores, pressure treated lumber for below ground contact, and a 40% saturation ratio.

The pickets: (PRO and CON) We use a variation of 5/8 and 1" rough cut pickets. It depends on style and budget. There is no real alternative such as a Number 2 prime picket; however, the following principle can be applied: the thicker the picket the tighter the pores. The tighter the pores, the more resistance it will have towards rot and decay.

Remember, it does not matter the wood type. Pine, cypress, and western red cedar only work when they are milled from large mature trees. These types of woods are weather resistant, but are dependent on the long-term growth of a tree. Most species require 70 plus years to develop heartwood: a dark dense area of tight rings. Most rough-cut lumber is harvested from tree farms before 30 years.

A SPECIAL NOTE: There are no distinct advantages to using cypress pickets unless you use number 1 grade kiln-dried cypress post as well. Most companies using cypress pickets must resort to pressure treated pine framework because kiln dry framework (posts and runner) is too expensive. They could use a green cypress; however, it would have to be pressure treated. Bottom line, cypress pickets do last a few years longer than pine pickets, but what good will it be if the framework is rotted and on the ground? It's all about the framework.

Quality of product is poor. The main building method is prefabricated fence panels. It is rare to find the onsite/stick building method at work in this model.

The business model pledged with cash flow problems. As a result, it requires the customer to surrender a deposit of half or greater. Once the money is received, the wait for installation is often lengthy. Chances are the homeowner will end up hounding the individual or company to actually get the fence installed. When fence is installed, it's often wrong or riddled with issues and poor craftsmanship. Understand this model accounts for 20% of all fence installed in the Central Florida market.

This model is ultimately flawed, but easily identified. There are always three dead giveaways:

1. The individual spends more time selling themselves than the product, the company, or services they offer.

2. Little attention is given to the details discussed, and those details are rarely written down in a true proposal format. Instead they are scribbled out on generic carbon copy estimate paper and are written with ambiguous and general terms.

3. The proposed price is rock bottom low.

The Fence Discounters: Buy it cheap and maximize profit through volume. Believe it or not, this model is ran by 5% of the local fence companies; however, this model accounts for 40% of all fences installed in Central Florida. Their primarily focus is on economy grade fencing, but do carry a small lines of premium grade products. Why one might ask? The answer is simple. It's the retail philosophy: Carry a high price product, and the cheaper product will be more attractive. Each time the customer will focus on price and not quality or longevity of a product.

The problem with the fence discounter is they often have their hand in every aspect of the market. The sale fence directly to the public, they offer some form of installation, and at the same time wholesale to all business models.

- Big Box Stores: Any major retail store that sells home improvement products.

- Outlets: Retail locations sell strictly fence related products to the public.

- Large Regional and National Fence Companies: Established fence companies that have office locations regional and nationally. Their main focus is selling to other fence companies.

They bank on the do-it-yourselfers. A customer show up to a retail location, purchases material, and then it's delivered. To keep it simple, The Fence Discounter sells prefabricated fencing systems and requires a large deposit.

If the discounter offers fence installation, the installation of the fence is often poor to adequate. Remember, The Fence Discounters goal is to buy it low and sell in volume to make their profit. As a result, the individual installing the fence is forced to work faster, longer, and harder to make a living. As a result, there is a high turnover rate in their installation department.

This model is flawed, but it works. The problem is it ultimately burns the consumer. Remember, if you try to save a penny, you will spend a dollar to fix it. There are always three dead giveaways:

A. The individual spends more time selling themselves then the product, the company, or services they offer.

B. Little attention is given to the details discussed. It’s all about what you want and when you want it at the lowest possible price. Details are written down in a proposal format; however, it is written with ambiguous and general terms.

C. Their advertisements often contain statements such as “we will beat our competitors’ price, or we'll do it for less.” They advertise large discounts and gimmicks.

Understand, a discounter possesses some level of customer service. It is a take it or leave it approach to solving problems. For example: If there is a problem, The Fence Discounter will fix it, but the solution will be based on minimizing losses. As a result, the customer often suffers and must accept the offered solutions.

A. Business-people: Individuals that see a need and fill it.

B. Professional good at their craft: Individuals that have a passion for building.

C. Families: Companies that are past down from generation to generation.

The traditional fence company makes it money on satisfied customers but understand traditional fence companies are also all about the numbers. The operate on the principle of laws of average. For example, if "X" number of estimates are ran, "X" number of jobs will be sold. Run enough estimates and the work will be plentiful. Treat enough customers right and the reputation will assist in obtaining new business.

Do not be fooled. It is a dog eat dog business model in today's market, and all of them are scrambling for only 35% of the Central Florida market. All traditional Fence Companies are not created equal. Some will pride themselves on service. Other will pride themselves on fence installation, and a few will pride themselves on products. It's rare to find all three running hand in hand. Even in that case, their pride will depend on what they consider their competitive advantages. This is a great model, but understand problems still exist.

Problems often starts at the estimate level. Like most industries, the sales and estimating position possess a high turnover rates. The owner is then forced to constantly train new salespeople. The information needed to provided outstanding serves, products, and customer service, comes and goes with the estimator. As a result, the primary focus of a fence company is sales. Once a salesperson is trained, they’re sent off to visit a property and promise things they barely understand. For example, a company might carry a great product but have poor installation results. This is often caused by hiring and firing employees based on workflow. As a result, the experience comes and goes.

Because so much time is spent on training estimators, the little details are often missed or sacrificed on the backend. Simple things like communicating with the customer once the contract is signed. Maybe it’s calling in the underground utilities, pulling a permit, or double checking the scope of the project. Regardless, something is often sacrificed. Most of time it’s because of a short-lived position in the company. When it comes to the morning of the fence installation and the installer knock on the door and asks the customer where the fence goes, that’s often when a customer realizes that the customer service wasn’t the company’s strong suit. When the job is complete, the customer is often left saying, "I like it, but…" In the end, the customer is forced to settle.

These companies are often at the top of their industries and are reputation driven. As a result, it is not necessary for these types companies to dump tens of thousands into advertising, which allows them to use that money to increase the quality of their products and services. Should a problem occur, this type of company will not need to be told how to do the right thing.

The Good news is Paramount Fencing is an educator and perfection fence company.